Subcommittee advances bill to let local comprehensive plans use social-determinants-of-health data

Delegate Elizabeth Bennett Parker introduced HB 1827 to the CCNT Subcommittee 1, saying the bill would allow localities to use social determinants of health (SDOH) data as part of comprehensive-plan reviews. "For a long time, comprehensive planning has been about the built landscape, roads, buildings, sewer systems, infrastructure. HB1827 is about making sure comprehensive planning puts the spotlight on people and their health," she said.

The bill is permissive: it would allow — not require — local governments to use existing SDOH data, such as information held by the Virginia Department of Health, when preparing or updating comprehensive plans. The proposal drew support from health and environmental groups, which told the committee SDOH data can help communities plan for services such as clinics, housing for aging residents and access to healthy food.

Kim Sutter, representing Virginia Interfaith Power & Light, told the panel that Norfolk has intentionally included SDOH data in its comprehensive plan and that the bill would encourage other localities to do the same. Jay Ford of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation said the bill "encourages localities to put to paper a lot of the information that federal grants look for," adding that laying out data often leads to green-infrastructure and nature-based planning.

Davis Gammon of the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association said hospitals see the effects of nonmedical factors on patient health and supported the bill on those grounds. Supporters said jurisdictions that already use SDOH — for example, Danville — have found the information useful for strategic planning.

Delegate Joe McNamara asked whether the statute cited in testimony (section 32.1-23.6) could lead localities to use planning to restrict technologies or other activities, referencing examples raised elsewhere. "I'm concerned that this will be utilized to try to restrict development of certain types of technologies, whether it's gas stoves or other types of ... which we've seen in California as an example," he said. Delegate Bennett Parker and the bill sponsor said the measure was narrowed to permit use of SDOH data only and was not intended to impose specific policy mandates.

After discussion, Delegate Elizabeth Bennett Parker moved to report the bill and the motion was seconded. The clerk recorded the committee report as 5 to 3 in favor of reporting HB 1827 to the next stage.

Why it matters: Supporters said the change would make planning more responsive to health needs and help localities compete for federal grants; critics warned the bill language could be used in unintended ways if not carefully limited.

What’s next: HB 1827 was reported out of subcommittee by a 5-3 vote and will proceed in the legislative process.